WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2012 / -- A Joplin, Mo., church will host an interfaith "iftar," or Ramadan fast-breaking meal, tonight for the congregation of the Islamic Society of Joplin, which was destroyed by a suspicious fire on Monday.

Also today, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will hold a news conference at the site of the burned mosque to call for stepped up efforts to apprehend the person shown attempting to set the mosque on fire in July.

Speakers at the iftar will include CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad, the imam of the Islamic Society of Joplin and representatives of the interfaith community.

Sponsoring groups include CAIR, South Joplin Christian Church, United Hebrew Congregation, First Community Church, and Peace Lutheran Church.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.